Barking Poets. Nostalgic pop punk with a surprising twist of optimism.
Barking Poets – We Will Overcome
Punk isn’t a genre exactly known for its optimism – when anarchy and tearing down establishments is the name of the game, it’s not always easy to keep a smile on your face. But Barking Poets’ latest release ‘We Will Overcome’ manages to put a positive twist on things, perhaps due to this song being inspired by rebuilding after a post-Covid world.
Barking Poets are a London-based punk rock 3 piece often seen around Camden. With their debut EP under their belt, this latest single marks their second release this year, already a favourite in their live set.
‘We Will Overcome’ is a mid-tempo pop-punk jam dedicated to persistence, with plenty of singalong moments.
The earnest lyrics acknowledge the losses of life, particularly in a pandemic world – ‘All the dreams that we made were bought and sold away’ – but maintain an admirable spirit, admitting ‘I’ve been saving up for a rainy day’, set to simple but effective melodies. The raspy lead vocals are strong and attention-grabbing, maintaining that balance of realism and optimism, singing that although they’ve been ‘driving down the same roads…these are the same roads that will lead us home’.
With its chanting chorus, keening lead guitars and drums designed for a crowd to clap along to, the track echoes 2000s pop-punk acts such as Green Day, Blink 182, and Fountains of Wayne, though perhaps with a friendlier tone. There’s also some excellent backing harmonies supporting the main melody. It’s an accessible track that any rock and punk fans should check out, and keep an eye out for the Barking Poets if you’re ever in Camden.
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Words Eden Tredwell
